Excitement, emotion, and quiet nerves filled Stride Place yesterday morning, as just under 190 Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) students sat side by side for the final time as high schoolers. The crowd of family, friends, and educators looked on proudly as the Class of 2025 prepared to walk across the stage.
The ceremony, which kicked off at 10 a.m., marked the end of one chapter and the start of a brand new one for the grads, after years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and personal growth.
Principal Lawrence McKenzie, who has seen his share of graduating classes, spoke warmly about this year’s group, calling them one of the tightest-knit classes in recent memory.
"This is my sixth or seventh ceremony, but my third as principal," notes McKenzie. "Each ceremony is a little bit unique, but they're all a fantastic celebration. There isn't a better way to end the school year than standing up there and shaking the hands of the graduates and wishing them all the best.”
McKenzie also shared personal sentiments about some of the graduates, highlighting how meaningful it was to see their journey come full circle.
"Some of the kids I've known since kindergarten, so seeing them cross the stage just warms my heart," he says.
For the Grade 12 students, the ceremony marked the end of a shared journey that brought them together as a community within the walls of their high school.
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"They've been a great group of students since they arrived in Grade 9. We couldn't have better ambassadors for PCI than this Grade 12 class this year," he adds.
Offering a few words of wisdom to the graduating class, McKenzie encourages students to keep learning and follow their passions.
"Put your best foot forward all the time and try your best. Choose something in your life that you want to do and that you love, because life is short. You're never going to stop learning as an adult or as a student, but we hope we've prepared them for the future, and we want to wish the class here all the best.”
The ceremony also highlighted the strong support PCI students receive from the community. With over $100,000 in scholarships and bursaries handed out by local organizations, it was a proud moment for both the school and Principal McKenzie.
"Over $100,000 worth of scholarships and bursaries were handed out from all the different community groups and organizations this year! It's amazing to see the community supports the kids for further education once they leave PCI," he explains.
Among the standout honours, Jorden Haubrick received the Andrew Howden Business Scholarship of $6,225 and is renewable for the following three years of post-secondary study.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal, for the highest overall average across Grades 11 and 12, was awarded to Sia Miglani, who had an impressive 96.3125 per cent in her classes.
As the final cap was tossed and the last proud family photo taken, emotions ran high as students said goodbye to the familiar while stepping into the unknown. If the morning celebration was any indication, Portage Collegiate Institute’s Class of 2025 is more than ready to take on what comes next, with the lessons, memories, and support of their school and community firmly behind them.
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